Law and Development: Approaches, Actors and Issues

Code

LAWW3110

School

Law

Level

3

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

The module considers what role, if any, law can play in improving the material existence of the poorest on this planet. It examines the role of international institutions and national governments in the promotion of social and human development and investigates the role played by specific development instruments, such as development aid, blended finance etc. in the fight against poverty. It considers the how the concept of development has changed over time and looks at the history and theories around development. The module also examines specific issues such as access to health and access to food, gender equality, and food security. As a whole, the module offers students a critical insight into law's possibilities and its limitations as it relates to international development.

This course will be invaluable to anyone interested in working with an NGO, VSO or with any international organisation dealing with the promotion of development.

Target Students

Available to Year 2 or Final Year students in the School of Law. Also available to Exchange students hosted by the School of Law.

Classes

This module is taught in seminar format.

Assessment

• 100% Exam (3-hour): Electronic examination.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to apply critical analysis and logical thinking in reviewing legal and policy options in the development process. In particular students will: 

• be able to question common assumptions about development and the development process

• have acquired an understanding of how law and development interact, including the possibilities and the limitations of law in relation to international development

• be familiar with the main concepts and theories that underpin the law and development discourse

• be able to assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of various tools in assisting the development process and such as development aid, food aid, traditional knowledge

• be able to assess the role played by some institutions in the development process

• be able to explain what role law may play in furthering the development process and how this interacts with the rule of law and good governance in furthering that process

• be able to recognise the problems created by existing power imbalances between developed and developing countries when negotiating international agreements.

Conveners

• Prof Anna-Maria La Chimia